COVID-19 Mortality Rate Declines, But Threats Remain, Especially in Older Individuals

Strategic Insights -

A recent study from the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan sheds light on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. According to the research, although the mortality rate of COVID-19 is decreasing, disease threats persist, particularly among older individuals and those with underlying health conditions. The study aimed to investigate patient characteristics, pre-admission COVID-19 diagnosis, treatment status, severity, and risk factors for severe disease and mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 after public funding cessation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The median age of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was 75 years, with 76.9% admitted due to COVID-19 symptoms.
  • 47.3% of patients had visited a medical facility prior to admission, with 61.5% of those diagnosed with COVID-19 not receiving antiviral treatment.
  • Antiviral agents were prescribed to 25 patients, accounting for 28.4% of those with a history of accessing medical facilities prior to admission.
  • The in-hospital all-cause mortality rate was 7.0%, with multivariate analysis revealing interstitial pneumonia as a significant risk factor for in-hospital mortality.
  • The researchers suggest that a multifaceted intervention, including patient education, healthcare provider awareness, and reconsideration of the medical system, is needed to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Statistics:

  • The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19: 186
  • The median age of patients hospitalized with COVID-19: 75 years
  • The percentage of patients admitted due to COVID-19 symptoms: 76.9%
  • The percentage of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who did not receive antiviral treatment: 61.5%
  • The number of patients prescribed antiviral agents: 25
  • The percentage of patients with prior medical facility visits who received antiviral treatment: 28.4%
  • The in-hospital all-cause mortality rate: 7.0%
  • The odds ratio for interstitial pneumonia as a risk factor for in-hospital mortality: 8.0

Sources:

  • Clinical characteristics and risk factors for severe disease among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Japan after cessation of public funding: A single-center retrospective study, Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy, 2025;31(11):102828.
  • Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands (Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy contact information)
  • Springer - www.springer.com (Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy online access)
  • NewsRx. New COVID-19 Findings from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Described (Clinical characteristics and risk factors for severe disease among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Japan after cessation of public funding: A single-center ...). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. November 2, 2025; p 93.